Celebrating New Citizens of Berks
The Berks County Bar Association is proud to support programs that connect our legal community with the people we serve throughout Berks County.
One of the traditions we have been honored to continue for more than 10 years is our quarterly Naturalization Ceremony. These ceremonies are a beautiful reminder that the work of the legal community extends far beyond the courtroom. Over the years, we have witnessed the smiles, the tears, the pride, and the excitement of individuals taking the Oath of Allegiance and officially beginning a new chapter as U.S. citizens.
Our most recent ceremony, held on July 29, 2026, welcomed 38 new U.S. citizens from countries around the world, including Brazil, China, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guinea, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, and Vietnam. The Honorable Eric J. Taylor presided over the ceremony at the Berks County Courthouse.
We were especially proud to have Angelica Matias, Esquire, as our speaker. Angelica is a member of the BCBA and an attorney with MidPenn Legal Services, where she works to help lower-income families in our community.
Angelica’s story made her words especially meaningful. After Hurricane Maria forced her and her family to move to the mainland United States, she experienced firsthand what it means to start over. She worked jobs outside of her career path while continuing to move forward, ultimately passing the bar exam and becoming an attorney dedicated to serving her community.
Her story reflects what these ceremonies represent: new beginnings, perseverance, opportunity, and the many different journeys that lead people to call America home.
The Naturalization Ceremony is just one of the many ways the BCBA supports and serves our community. Congratulations to the 38 newest citizens of Berks County!
Berks County Bar Association
544 Court St
Reading, PA 19601
